Kajol 'never wanted to join films' despite her film lineage!

Bollywood icon Kajol, one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation, recently shared a surprising revelation - she never intended to become an actor. Despite a career spanning over three decades and a recent win of her seventh Filmfare Award, Kajol admitted that her early experiences watching her mother, veteran actress Tanuja Mukherjee, struggle in the industry made her hesitant to follow the same path.

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Tanuja’s Journey Behind the Glamour

Recently, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Kajol reflected on her mother’s career, recalling how Tanuja faced immense hardships while balancing work and family life. Known for her stellar performances in Jewel Thief (1967) and Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Tanuja shared the screen with legends like Rajesh Khanna and Uttam Kumar.

However, Kajol revealed that behind those shining moments was a life filled with instability and relentless effort.

“I realised that she struggled a lot. She worked 24/7 and didn’t get paid even half as much as she should have. It wasn’t a stable or continuous source of income,” said Kajol.

Witnessing Her Mother’s Sacrifices

Kajol recalled how her mother would begin shooting at seven in the morning and return home only briefly before heading back to set.

“She did that for years when we were kids. Nobody could pay me enough to do that,” she said.

“That was the main factor that made me not want to be in films. Otherwise, with my mom, my dad, my grandfather- it was such a normal part of my life, so I was never starstruck by it,” Kajol added.

Redefining Her Boundaries

Today, Kajol ensures that every project she takes respects her time, boundaries, and comfort.

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She added, “If I like a script, there aren’t too many do’s and don’ts. But I have a few clear boundaries. I will not subject myself to scenes of molestation or rape. I don’t enjoy them as subjects, and I don’t feel they’re necessary to prove my worth as an actor.”